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University of Illinois System Unites to Fight COVID 19
Like you, your families, your businesses, and your communities, the University of Illinois has been forced into a new paradigm. As we all confront this threat and our new reality, we wish you and your loved ones good health and safety. Rest assured that the University of Illinois has and will continue to take all necessary steps and recommended actions to mitigate risk and minimize the effects on our universities.
To that end, in mid-March the University of Illinois transitioned all in-person classes to online instruction, and students were asked by university officials to return home if they could do so safely. The majority of faculty and staff were instructed to work remotely and are adjusting to this significant change. Be assured that our students, faculty, and staff have embraced the challenges they face and are leading the way in creating a dynamic learning environment in these unprecedented times.
Furthermore, all events have been canceled for the semester, including commencement in May. Various possibilities are being explored in order to recognize and honor the accomplishments of the class of 2020.
Early on in the crisis, the University of Illinois was enlisted by Governor Pritzker and acted quickly to bring expertise and resources to the State of Illinois to aid in their response to COVID-19. For a more complete picture of the university's involvement with the state and overall response to the crisis, please visit our COVID-19 communication and resource site: www.uillinois.edu/coronavirus
You will also be pleased to know that the three universities comprising the University of Illinois System have marshalled all available resources and joined the fight against COVID-19. Faculty, staff, and students from across the enterprise are engaged in everything from research into therapies and a vaccine to partnering with the CDC to analyze large scale data and serving our heroic health care workers. These individuals - from nurses and doctors to those who clean and sanitize our medical facilities - have risen to the occasion and become soldiers in this battle to defeat coronavirus.
The individual efforts and initiatives are too many to list, but here are a few that demonstrate the impact our university is having in this fight:
- Clinical trials are being conducted on two very important and cutting-edge therapeutics in Chicago.
- A research team in Urbana has developed an emergency portable ventilator, RapidVent, to potentially fill a critical shortfall.
- The Illinois Board of Higher Education enlisted the Center for Online Learning, Research, and Service (COLRS) in Springfield to assist other institutions of higher learning across the state in developing their online teaching and learning capabilities.
- Hand sanitizer is being produced on an industrial scale in Urbana.
- A drive-thru testing site has been established on Chicago's west side.
- The National Center for Super Computing in Urbana is partnering with the CDC to coordinate and fast track analysis of nationwide critical data.
- Springfield is hosting a series of free public webinars focused on the impact COVID-19 is having on small business and relief measures that are in place to provide assistance.
- Chicago is fabricating innovative and effective surgical masks for use in hospital settings.
- Illinois public health authorities have asked the university's Discovery Partners Institute (DPI) for support and assistance to expand testing state-wide.
- Numerous state agencies have reached out to Springfield for assistance in moving traditional personal interaction activities online.
- Epidemiological models were developed by researchers in Urbana that showed how "social distancing" can slow the spread of the disease and help avoid a critical shortfall of hospital beds.
As you can see, our university is energetically engaged in the fight against the pandemic. While none of us would have chosen these circumstances, we have been decisive and are resolute in our response. Please know that your continued involvement and support are deeply appreciated and vital to our future. Together we will fight through this to emerge stronger and on an even greater quest for knowledge and discovery to the betterment of humankind. |
